THE SEA-SHELL

Oh, fairy palace of pink and pearl

Frescoed with filigree silver-white,

Down in the silence beneath the sea

God by Himself must have fashioned thee

Just for His own delight!

But no!— For a dumb and shapeless thing

Stirring in darkness its little hour,

Thy walls were built with infinite care,

Thou sea-scented home, so fine and fair,

Perfect — and like a flower!